Aim: To develop a clear definition of infertility-related stress using Rodgers' method of concept analysis.Background: Infertility affects approximately 13% of women in the United States.Though poorly defined in the literature, previous studies suggest infertility-related stressors contribute to psychological distress.Design: Rodgers' method of concept analysis guided the review, including sample and setting, literature search, and data analysis.Data Source: PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched for relevant literature.Review Methods: Following abstract, title, and text screenings, 21 articles were included and reported using the PRISMA-S checklist. Texts were analyzed and results informed the proposed definition of infertility-related stress.Results: Antecedents included infertility, desire for children, and fear of the unknown.Attributes were identity crisis, social isolation and stigma, sexual stress, and financial strain. Consequences included treatment dropout and marital strain. Anxiety, depression, and decreased quality of life were identified as both attributes and consequences.Conclusions: Synthesized results informed a proposed definition of infertility-related stress. Improved understanding of infertility-related stress allows for measurement development and facilitates recognition of patients in need of additional support, while potentially reducing the impact on the health and well-being of infertile women.

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Objectives To analyze and synthesize the reported psychometric properties of the Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQoL) instrument and describe its implications for use in practice and research in men and women with infertility. Methods A systematic literature search was performed to identify all articles using the FertiQoL tool. PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched from September 2006 through May 2022. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported psychometric data on the original FertiQoL tool using a sample population of individuals with infertility. Sample size, country of origin, and psychometric data were documented for each study. Results The initial search revealed 153 articles that had utilized the FertiQoL. Following abstract, title, and full-text screenings, 53 articles reported psychometric data and met criteria for inclusion. The FertiQoL is a sound measurement with satisfactory reliability and validity. Studies indicated adequate reliability in the overall scale ($$\alpha=0.43-0.92$$ α = 0.43 - 0.92 ), as well as the core Emotional, Mind/Body, Social, and Relational scales ($$\alpha=0.43-0.92$$ α = 0.43 - 0.92 ) and two optional Tolerability and Environment fertility treatment subscales ($$\alpha=0.67-0.91$$ α = 0.67 - 0.91 ). Although the Relational subscale exhibited slightly lower reliability in several studies, the internal consistency for the measurement as a whole was satisfactory. Results also indicate adequate: 1) face and content validity with extensive professional and patient feedback during development; 2) convergent validity with general quality of life, depression, and anxiety measurements; and 3) structural validity using both confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses. Conclusion The FertiQoL tool is the most commonly used instrument to measure the impact of fertility issues on quality of life in men and women with infertility. Understanding the impact of infertility on quality of life provides valuable insight into the areas of infertility-related care that need to be prioritized, such as mental health or relational stressors. While the instrument has been used in different patient populations with infertility and available in multiple translations, it is necessary to understand the updated psychometric properties and the implications for its use. This review shows that the FertiQoL is reliable and valid for cross-cultural use among individuals with various etiologies of infertility.

Aims Explore the knowledge, experiences, preferences, and concerns related to fertility preservation as an option for building a biological family among women with cystic fibrosis. Design Convergent mixed methods study design. Methods We recruited women with cystic fibrosis of childbearing age in the United States through cystic fibrosis centres, snowball sampling, and social media. Participants completed an anonymous survey about fertility and fertility preservation (n = 50). We also conducted audio‐recorded, semi‐structured interviews with a subset of women to gain a better understanding of their perspectives (n = 20). We transcribed the interviews verbatim and analysed them using thematic analysis. Results For the quantitative arm, 78% of women indicated that they would like to have a child in the future; however, 74% reported never having had conversations about fertility preservation with their providers. For the qualitative arm, four major themes emerged: (1) Women with cystic fibrosis have inadequate knowledge about fertility and fertility preservation; (2) fertility is a low priority area for the cystic fibrosis care team; (3) women with cystic fibrosis recommend that the cystic fibrosis care team provide specific fertility resources; and (4) providers and literature lack information on fertility and cystic fibrosis. Integrated findings identified that while the majority of women with cystic fibrosis want to become mothers in the future, including post‐lung transplantation, they have not received education on fertility preservation, and there is a general lack of knowledge on the topic of fertility in cystic fibrosis. Conclusion Women with cystic fibrosis desire to have children but have little knowledge about fertility preservation, and cystic fibrosis providers do not initiate family planning discussions. Impact Findings from the study support that additional education is needed for women with cystic fibrosis who are considering parenthood. Clinical care models should include early, regular, and thoughtful discussions about reproductive health issues, including fertility preservation.

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